Going ga ga over Nandan Nilekani

Avid newspaper readers might have noticed the unusual hype that is being created in most Delhi-based English papers ever since Nandan Nilekani has assumed charge of the Unique Identification Authority, a union government's project.

Not a day passes without Nilekani's photograph or stories about his style of working. It was understandable in the initial days but weeks after the decision came, Nilekani remains in the spotlight.

Among the other newspapers, Indian Express has clearly gone overboard. Day after day the reports tell the 'laymen' (readers) as if its a revolutionary change and Nilekani will do wonders. Photos of the techie in various moods keep getting published every other day.

It's true that he is an eminent software professional and was CEO of Infosys. But the project appears a fantasy. Anybody who is aware of ground realities knows that in a country where millions are homeless and tens of millions keep changing rented homes apart from nomads and destitute, it's a near impossible task to give unique identity numbers of every citizens.

Our bureaucratic setup makes it almost impossible for the poor and the lower middle class citizen to get his due rights and privileges. However, even if Nilekani is the best man to do such a colossal exercise, shouldn't we let him do work before we keep eulogising him for nothing?

Is it a PR exercise or the newspapers are simply making a fool of themselves by going to absurd lengths to promote and project him. I doubt that a person like him would want to have such publicity (for no reason), as it may also bring expectations that might be difficult to fulfil.

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Will Jagran's national edition catch readers' fancy?

Dainik Jagran is almost ready to launch its Delhi edition. The paper has presence in many Hindi-speaking states and now wants to be seriously taken as a national Hindi daily. But will it happen?

Is Jagran going to succeed in its new avatar. For a paper like Jagran, an image makeover is not an easy task. It was never known for highest standards of journalism and remained editorially allied to either one or the other political party.

The paper has been accused of communal and casteist bias in its reports for a quarter century. The owners want the paper to be taken as a national Hindi paper so that it can get better revenue.

They are changing language and layout to give it a funkier look. The paper succeeded in adding readers in Uttar Pradesh and other states. But it's unlikely that the paper will get a sudden response in Delhi.

It is considered an old-fashioned paper from UP. The reports are uninteresting and stories lack balance. For Delhi, Jagran is an outsider. However, coming days will see a sudden advertising blitz and effort to paint the town red with Jagran's banners and posters.

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'Women are communal because of sexual frustration'

Khushwant Singh's remarks that women who tend to be religious fanatics are sexually frustrated, have caused a stir. In a recent article, Singh analysed the behaviour and life of four women close to Hindutva ideology.

He also said that female species are often more deadlier than males and if a woman turn venomous, 'she can hiss like a cobra'. The BJP is aghast and has condemned Singh's column.

The nonagenarian Sardar cites examples of Sadhvi Ritambhara, Uma Bharti, Pragya Singh Thakur and Mayaben Kodnani. They are all from the ranks of the Sangh Parivar (RSS).

He says that Rithambara indulges in double-speak, on TV she is sugar and honey, holding children but in real life spouts venon against Muslims. Former MP Chief Minister Uma Bharti wears saffron robe and terms herself a protector of cows but openly claims her role in demolition of Babri Masjid.

The next on Singh's list is Sadhwi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is in jail for Malegaon blast case. Singh says that though she is a good-looking woman, she turned a killer (though yet to be established as case is in the court).

The last is Gujarat's ex-minister Mayaben Kodnani, who is in custody for her role in Naroda Patiya massacre where nearly 100 Muslims were killed. She is alleged to have incited mobs.

She is a gynaecologist and took the Hippocratic oath to save lives but provoked violence, writes Singh. They are all ladies and educated and love Lord Rama just like Gandhi did, he further writes.

The Dirty Old Man goes on to write that if these ladies had a fulfilling sexual life, the venom which they spout have been drained out of systems.

Sex is the best therapy against frustration. A woman has heavier responsibility than a man in bringing up children. I appeal to these worthy ladies and all others to ponder over the words of M.K. Gandhi....

Of course, some BJP leaders may object but it is equally true that in India writers rarely so candid. That's the reason why columnists don't have enjoy huge readership here unlike in the West.

Well in his 90s, Singh still keeps ruffling a few feathers and that should be inspiring for journalists who avoid writing things that would displease others.

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